Let's talk about beauty

Silk Fabric: Basic Guide on Characteristics of Silk

2010-06-10T00:14:00.000-07:00

SILK - A fiber derived from the cocoon of the silkworm and also from certain species of spider. The cultivation of the mulberry tree, upon whose leaves the silkworm feeds, dates back to about 2640 BC in China. Chinese records of that period mention the use of silk in robes, sun shades, etc.

Silk probably became known to the Mesopotamians, Egyptians and Greeks some-time in the second century BC through Persian and Phoenician traders. Although it was worn by Cleopatra in the first century BC it was rarely used in Egyptian textiles until the fifth century AD. Heiogabalus (204-222 AD) was the first Roman emperor to wear silk. In the Byzantine period, raw silk was imported from China and woven in the emperor's palace in Constantinople. Its production was then being controlled by the emperor. This woven silk was valued at fabulous sums. In 360 AD the Persian king, victorious in a war against Constantinople, carried away the most skillful weavers. This was the foundation of the subsequent fame of Persian silk. It was in the sixth century during Justinian's reign (527-565) that Byzantine silk culture was again at its height, to last another three centuries. Under his patronage, eggs of the silkworm and seeds of the mulberry bush were brought from China by two Persian monks, concealed in their hollow bamboo stuff.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SILK:
•Silk is the most luxurious fiber.
•Silk is comfortable to wear, cool in summer and warm in winter.
•Silk is warm but lightweight.
•Silk is resilient and elastic; it holds its shape and resists wrinkling.
•Silk can be used in a variety of fabric constructions from very sheer to very heavy.
•Silk can be supple and drapeable, as well as stiff and bouffant.
•Some kind of silk has high luster.
•Silk has little static buildup.,
•Silk absorbs moisture well and dries quickly.
•Cultivated silk dye and print well.
•Silk does not pill or soil easily.
•It is resistant to mildew, but susceptible to moths and insects.
•It is weakened by sunlight, yellow when exposed to light, excess heat, and with age.
•Silk is damaged by perspiration and body oils.
•Silk fiber doesn't shrink, but many silk fabrics do.
•Most silk requires dry cleaning, but some can be laundered, depending on the fabric structure, finish, dye, and the garment structure.
•Silk is easily damaged by strong soap and detergent, hot irons, acids, and alkalies.
•Silk is easily damaged by improper ironing.
•Silk is the strongest natural fiber; but is weak when wet.
•Some kinds of-silk are very slippery.
•Other kinds of silk slip badly at the seam line.

How to Walk Properly in Heels

2010-06-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

How do you walk smoothly in high heels? Practice, practice, practice! Your heels won't look so fab if you fall out of them, so you have got to spend some time walking around in them and getting comfortable. You can't walk the exact same way in high heels that you walk in flip-flops or sneakers. Here are some tips to help you strut your stuff in heels.

On Your Mark
Start by simply putting on your high-heeled shoes and standing in them. Stand in front of a full-length mirror and turn sideways so you can see your profile. Practice getting into a pose where you can stand up straight, without leaning back way too far, or
sticking your butt in the air. Once you've got your stance, move on to walking practice.

Get Set
To practice walking in your high heels, first—relax! It's not really that hard.

Go!
Lean back slightly. High heels tend to push your body forward, so you have to lean back a teeny bit to stand straight. You should be familiar with this from your standing exercise above. Now take a smooth, even stride forward
with one foot, bringing the heel down first and the rest of the foot quickly and smoothly following.
Don't put extra weight on the heel as it touches down—just roll off it so the whole foot bears your weight as you step onto it. Toes should point straight forward, or maybe slightly outward (if that's easier for you). Keep legs straight and close together as you walk. Gently swing arms to help you balance.
You may find that when you walk in high heels, it's easier to take smaller steps than normal. You definitely should avoid doing anything other than walking—running in heels is only for the very experienced (like the Sex and the City characters—but they're all a lot older than you!). You will probably also find that you can't stand for too long if you're not used to heels, because your calves and maybe your back will get sore.

Extra Credit
It's a good idea to kick off your heels when you hit the dance floor. If you think you might want to try dancing in your heels, practice a ton at home before trying it in public. Dance in front of music videos in your living room while wearing your heels, to see if you can pull off your regular moves in your new shoes.

A Word to the Wise
High heels are not great for us girls, but many of us insist upon wearing them. If you wear heels, try to give your body a break by wearing flats from time to time. After all, flats are totally hot this season too!

Death after Plastic Surgery

2010-05-05T02:49:00.000-07:00

Do you know that some women died after plastic surgery? Some of them committed suicide.

The March 8 issue of the British Medical Journal reports of a study conducted on 3,500 Swedish women who received breast implants between 1965 and 1993. The research particularly studied the number of deaths in the subject group.
It was expected that about 59 of the women would have died by this time. The researchers were surprised to find that 85 women had died, and that 15 of them had committed suicide.
The researchers concluded that people who seek plastic surgery may have deep psychological issues that they want to resolve, and that these people may see plastic surgery as one way of resolving issues of, say, self-esteem.
One of the study's authors said, "We think a plastic surgeon should always keep in mind that some women ... who ask for plastic surgery may have a different problem."
Plastic surgery can be life-enhancing if you do it to look and feel better, but not to change your life overnight.

A Guide on Liposuction

2010-01-18T16:28:00.001-08:00

Have you ever thought of undergoing liposuction? Well, here are frequently asked questions related to it.

What benefit could I expect from the surgery?
The fat that is removed is gone forever, resulting in a permanent recontouring of the body. This can offer a new shape for people who never thought it was possible, giving a psychological boost and the incentive to exercise even more than before to improve the rest of their body. Liposuction will not, however, prevent you from gaining weight in the future, and will not keep you fit and in shape.
Liposuction is not a weight loss technique, and is not a cure for overall obesity. It is, however, a great way to get rid of that little bulge that you cannot seem to get rid of any other way. The goal is for you to be more comfortable with your body and happy with your new shape.

Can liposuction help me lose weight?
The best way to lose weight is still diet and exercise. Liposculpture will remove some fat, but the main purpose is to recontour your body, not to make you thin all over.

Is it safe?
Modem Liposuction has become remarkably safe. In the early days of liposuction, there were problems associated with blood loss, infection and shock. Today, these problems are unusual.

Where is the scar going to be?
The scars for liposuction are multiple and small. They are placed in the crease lines to make them less obvious. All surgery requires a scar and all scars take time to soften and fade. It is usually red and raised for the first month or two after the operation but will disappear in a few months time.

How long does surgery take? Surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours per area.

Does it hurt?
Discomfort is moderate during the surgery, and can easily be controlled by anesthetic agents. Small areas can even be treated under local anesthesia alone.

What happens after surgery?
The local anesthesia injected into the tissue remains for 18 to 24 hours following liposuction surgery, greatly minimizing pain after the surgery. After tumescent liposuction, patients are usually alert and able to function well. There is minimal bruising and many patients `do not require medications for pain. You can usually return to a desk-type job within 48 hours and physical exercise generally can be resumed seven days after liposuction.

What are the limitations of liposuction?
Liposuction is not intended as a method for weight loss. It is used as a shaping procedure for areas where fat deposits are resistant to diet and exercise. The best results from liposuction occur in body areas where there is good muscle tone and good skin elasticity. In cases where there is a significant loss of tone and elasticity, superior cosmetic results may require a combination of both liposuction and surgical skin tightening to remove the excessive loose tissue.

What will happen to the excess skin?
Skin is an elastic organ and in most cases is able to shrink and redrape to the new body contour. Those who are poor candidates for liposuction surgery because of decreased skin elasticity can have the excess skin removed if they so desire at a later date.

What happens if I gain weight after liposuction?
Patients often wonder what will happen if they gain weight after they have liposuction. A common fear is that they will develop an abnormal shape. This does not happen because of the fact that the number of fat cells we have is constant and does not change throughout our life. When fat cells arc removed with liposuction they cannot come back. Increasing weight is distributed evenly through the remaining fat cells.

Can I have fat moved from one part of my body to another? It is not difficult to liposuction fat and inject it in another location.

What is difficult is to make the fat survive. When fat is moved, its blood supply is cut off and much of it may not survive the transfer. It is necessary to transplant more fat than required since it is expected that not all the fat will survive.
Fat transfers work well in the face. It is used for the nasolabial folds (between nose and mouth), the deep creases in the middle of the forehead (glabellar creases) and to fill in hollow cheeks. Fats can be transplanted from the abdomen to the breasts to enlarge its size. Finally, in men, fat can be transplanted to the penis to enlarge its size.

2 Easy Makeup Tips

2010-01-17T18:13:00.000-08:00

Winged Eyeliner
Here are tips on how to achieve seductively winged eyes:

When drawing winged eyes, there's a fine line between sexy and campy. Here are 5 ways on how to push the limits on liner without going too far.
1. Select the right color, which means black or dark brown. Anything else looks too theatrical.
2. Choose the formula. A liquid liner is the most precise, but a damp, square-tipped brush dipped in powder may be easier for anyone with a shaky hand.
3. Start at the outer corner. Anchor your elbow on a sturdy surface and, while holding the lid taut, place the tip of the liner or brush a few lashes in from the outer corner of one eye. Getting as close to the lashes as possible, draw a line (in the shape of a check mark) about a quarter inch long outward and slightly up toward the temple. Do the same thing on the other eye.
4. Go to the inside corner. Beginning about a quarter inch from the inner corner, trace the rest of the upper lashes as closely as possible--using small, connected dash marks, which are easier to control than a continuous line--until the line connects with the wing.
5. Curl the lashes and sweep on a few coats of black or brown mascara, with an extra coat at the outer corners to emphasize the wings.

Fake Tan
You can fake a tan with makeup
Here's how...
• Don't smear on color like you're icing a cake.
• Don't dot a rosy bronze cream blush on your chin, forehead and the apples of your cheeks--places where the sun would naturally hit you.
• Don't let color sit on your skin too long before blending it in; it could leave you looking blotchy.
• Don't smear color upward and outward, making sure to swipe some blush over the bridge of your nose and your brow bones, too.
• Don't pair your faux tan with matte lipstick and eye shadow; an entire face of shine-free skin will only look fake.
• Do wear a pearly lip gloss for an extra shot of glow.

Do You Have Stretch Marks?

2009-11-16T18:06:00.001-08:00

Stretch marks are not solely the bane of expectant mothers. Unmarried, unpregnant girls can have it too. Here's why:

stretch marks often come about when the skin has been subjected to an excessive expansion of the normal surface area — which happens during pregnancy or when, a person is or has been overweight. The occurrence of these striations is often accompanied by itchiness as the skin expands and many a pregnant woman swears by cocoa butter as the perfect placebo. Spread it over the tummy and back area as the itching starts and keep hose nails from scratching. Fat gals, you could do this too — the cocoa butter treatment, that is. But bear in mind that the effectiveness of this is highly controversial. It might be wiser for you to invest your effort and money in cooking up (besides food!) a good diet and exercise regimen.

What is Comedogenic Skin?

2009-10-12T08:07:00.001-07:00

One of the major factors to be considered in the treatment of acne is skin type, which may be determined with the help of a dermatologist. Once skin type has been verified, an effective skincare treatment can be drawn more easily.

Among the various skin types, comedogenic skin has been closely associated with acne. Although oily, this type of skin is not shiny since secretions are retained within the ostiums. The skin surface is dull and sallow (comedones).

Its texture is coarse since the follicles are clogged with comedones accumulating under the surface. This type of skin does not have the oily skin's resistance. It is easily irritated and dehydrated.

How does one care for comedogenic skin? A comedone must be entirely drained. If not, it may spread and cause more harm, it's slow to heal and almost always leaves some scarring.

Consultation with a physician should take place when lesions are severe or tender, scarring or other facial damage is present, acne worsens or swelling is present. These symptoms could be signs of infection.

The key to skin care for acne is consistency. An overnight cure has not been found. But using good skin care treatment aids in the daily, steady improvement of follicle health.
Since acne is not caused by eating certain foods, restricting the diet is not helpful. Since it is also not caused by "dirty" skin, excessive scrubbing does not help and can even make the skin more irritated.

Dermatologists advise persons with comedogenic skin to get immediate professional advice. Cases and their treatments may vary, depending on the severity of the patient's acne. Antibiotics and topical creams are generally prescribed by dermatologists to lessen the intensity of the flare-ups.

Among these medications is adapalene, an anti-acne molecule that is highly recommended by dermatologists. Adapalene encourages the formation of normal skin cells resulting in decreased formation of microcomedones (blackheads and whiteheads). It also discourages the formation of acne lesions. Improvement can be seen in 8 to 12 weeks.

A topical retinoid, adapalene reduces redness or irritation of the skin, even those with sensitive skin. Due to its high tolerability profile, adapalene can be used to treat acne from day one and as maintenance treatment. Adapalene is now used for acne treatment with thousands of satisfied users in the country and across the globe.

Aside from using highly effective and safe acne treatment like adapalene, some other basic guidelines for treating acne are: Do not pop, squeeze or pick at acne —this could increase the risk of inflammation; gently wash the face daily with mild soap and pat dry; use "noncomedogenic" cosmetics and toiletries; avoid things that aggravate acne such as grease or oils; some acne products increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight; use protective clothing and sunscreen.

When it comes to comedogenic skin, there are excellent treatment options available, so there is no need to "suffer" with this condition in silence. Severe cases or those resistant to treatment should be seen by a dermatologist.

11 Healthy Eating Tips to Prevent Dry Skin

2009-08-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

Dry skin is easy to detect. This type of skin is unable to retain moisture and usually feels "tight" and "uncomfortable" even after applying moisturizer or skin cream. Chapping and cracking are warning signs of extreme dryness. What most of us do not know is that dry skin is a year-round problem. This is the reason why skin-conscious women regard having dry skin as a lingering nightmare, making them lose their confidence during social activities.

To bring back your skin's natural moisture, eating the right kinds of food can do the trick. It has been told over and again that diet plays a major role in preventing dry skin. To help you attain moisturized skin, here are several diet recommendations:

• Eat a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, and nuts.
• Get quality protein from vegetable sources. Increase your intake of raw foods.
• Eat garlic, onions, eggs, and asparagus and other food that are high in sulfur which help to keep the skin smooth and youthful.
• Consume plenty of yellow and orange vegetables like carrots and squash that contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant.
• Use only unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil (that are used daily in salads and baked potatoes), or mixed into any dishes. These usually do not require heating to high temperatures because it will make dry skin moist and supple.
• Eat healing foods such as apricots, carrots and cantaloupes for dry skin. These foods are rich in vitamins A and C that are both essential for a smooth and supple skin. You may eat them whole or drink them as fresh fruit juices.
• Eat food rich in pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), such as raw milk cheese, natural plain yogurt, green leafy vegetables, nutritional yeast and wheat germ.
• Drink at least two quarts of purified water every day to keep the skin well hydrated.
• Avoid animal fats, and heat-processed vegetable oils. Use cold-pressed oils only. Heating oils leads to the production of free radicals, which have a destructive effect on the skin.
• Avoid soft drinks, chocolates, potato chips and other fat and sugar-laden foods.
• Avoid caffeinated alcoholic beverages and other drinks.

To complement this new eating habit towards acquiring moisturized skin, use hypoallergenic lotion specially formulated for dr

A Woman’s Guide on Hair Coloring

2009-08-26T08:04:00.002-07:00

Color adds sheen, gloss, texture, thickness, depth and life to your hair and can be used either to enhance your natural hair color or to explore a different side of your personality and change your image. Never be afraid to experiment, especially when you have a trusted stylist with whom you feel safe enough to be a little more daring. A good colorist will work with your skin tone and personality to create an effect that suits your style and boosts your confidence.

An experienced colorist is able to determine quickly whether you are a 'whisper,' 'talk' or 'scream' type of person — in other words, whether you would be more comfortable with a few lowlights in your mousey brown hair or whether you are an extrovert who will feel perfectly at ease with a white-blonde crop.

THE HOME COLOR ZONE
Use the upcoming color descriptions to help you work out whether you are a 'warm' or 'cool' person. This will help you determine which colors will best enhance your skin tone.
1. Stand in front of a mirror in good (preferably natural) light, holding a color chart just underneath your chin.
2. Slowly move it from left to right and back again and observe which color tones are the most flattering to your complexion.
3. Repeat the process a few times and ask the opinion of a friend.

HAIR SNIP
Modern hair colorants are enriched with conditioning ingredients, so you can enhance your natural color without damaging the health of your tresses. However, any chemical treatment means that the hair will require gentle handling. Use extra-nourishing conditioners and apply a hydrating mask once a week to replenish moisture. Avoid hot-oil treatments as they tend to strip out color.

8 Smart Beauty Tips When Buying Cosmetics

2009-08-26T08:04:00.001-07:00

Many women think that shopping for makeup is about as pleasant as a trip to the dentist. When Karen was 16 and sought beauty advice at a department store, she ended up with weird brown shading down the sides of her nose (to make it look smaller) and shimmer highlighter on her cheeks (supposedly creating the illusion of cheek-bones). Looking back, she realizes that her experience could have been very different if she had taken control instead of putting herself at the mercy of the salesperson. So, before you visit the cosmetic counter, do your homework and figure out what you want. So, here are 8 smart beauty tips buying of makeup.

1. Plan ahead. Have an idea of what to buy. Go through your makeup bag and make a list of cosmetics that are running low, as well as any new products you'd like to try. If you've used up a favorite, bring it with you. If it's been discontinued, you can ask the salesperson to suggest something similar.

2. Avoid rush hour. Skip high-traffic times like lunchtime or the weekend, when stores are so busy that it's hard to even ask for help. Instead, hit the makeup counter during off-peak hours, when you'll get a salesperson's full attention.

3. Get naked. Shop for cosmetics barefaced. Why? The right makeup enhances and complements the natural coloring of your skin, eyes, cheeks, and lips. If you have to work to blend a too-bright color, or if you need to add other makeup to make it look good, don't buy it.

4. See the light. Step outside before you buy. Some colors may seem natural under the store's fluorescent bulbs but could look artificial in real-life lighting.

5. Love her look. If you want your makeup done at a counter; ask a salesperson whose look appeals to you. If you like how she does her own makeup, chances are you'll like how she does your makeup. That's not to say you shouldn't ask a man for makeup advice; some of the most talented makeup artists I know are men. Either way, it's important to feel comfortable putting yourself in his or her hands.

6. Just say no. Most makeup companies offer free makeovers and expect you to buy the products used. But you are under no obligation to make a purchase. Don't let a salesperson pressure you into buying something you're not sure of. Ask if the company offers samples of the products you're interested in so that you can road test them (many give samples of skin care products and foundations). If not, say thanks for the help and mention that you need time to think things over.

7. Counter offers. Don't be tempted by the "gift with purchase" offers. The free items may not be right for your skin type or coloring.

8. Learn to return. Most large cosmetics companies will accept returns if you are dissatisfied with a product — even if the package has been opened. If you have a reaction to a product or the packaging is damaged, don't hesitate to take the product back to the counter where you bought it.

7 Skin Care Tips in the Workplace

2009-08-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

Skin diseases and injuries are the most common job-related medical problems. Workers of all ages and in almost all jobs can have skin problems.

You are more likely to have a skin problem if you work in certain jobs. Some of these jobs are in manufacturing, food production, construction, machine tool operation, printing, metal plating, leather processing, engine service, landscaping, farming, or forestry.

The most common job-related problems are skin irritation and rashes. These problems happen when skin comes into contact over and over with water, chemicals, and other substances.

Over time, contact with solvents, many soaps, and even water remove natural oils from your skin. This can cause your skin to crack and become dry or chapped. Cutting and lubricating oils and greases can block skin pores. This can cause acne or skin irritation.

Contact with acids, alkalis, or heavy metals can cause painful burns. Contact with even small amounts of some substances can cause skin allergies. Common causes of work-related skin allergies include acrylate glues (super glues), epoxy resins, textile dyes or resins, and latex.

People who work outside and have lots of sun exposure are at risk for skin cancer. This cancer may not show up for many years.

How can you protect your skin while working? Your workplace should be kept clean. Proper waste containers should be in place. All chemicals should be safely stored and correctly labeled. If strong acids or dangerous chemicals are used in your workplace, eye baths and safety showers should be available.

Here are some things you can do:

• Wear gloves, aprons, and other protective clothing to keep your skin from coming in contact with oils, greases, and chemicals.
• Wear clean clothes to work, and take off oil-soaked or chemical-soaked work clothes right after work.
• Do not clean your hands or other skin areas with gasoline, kerosene, mineral spirits, or turpentine.
• Protect your skin with petroleum jelly, a lotion, or a cream after you wash your hands.
• Know what to do if your skin comes in contact with a dangerous material — how to get the material off your skin and how to get medical help.
* Do not eat, drink, or smoke in your work area. Doing so can bring chemicals in close contact with your skin.
• Put sunscreen on your skin several times a day if you work outdoors. In addition, wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and a shirt or jacket with long sleeves.

A basic skin care routine for the face is a lifelong undertaking that encompasses the time we spend at home and at work.

Caring for the skin on your face is actually quite simple; dermatologists recommend regular skin cleansing and the use of a skin moisturizer, preferably before retiring to bed at night.

Use specially formulated lotion on your skin after taking a bath or washing your hands. It can serve as your yearlong defense against dry skin.

Taking care of one's skin while in the workplace is a major responsibility, but if you heed the advice of the experts to take certain precautions, chances are your skin will always be in the pink of health.

12 Tips on Finding the Right Shoes for You

2009-04-30T03:39:00.001-07:00

The wrong pair of shoes can cause or aggravate foot ailments. The right shoes can often prevent – but cannot correct – problems. So wearing the right shoes is vital to foot health. Here are 12 pointers to look for when shopping for shoes.

1. Leather is best because this lets the skin breathe and molds to your feet. But cheaper canvas is fine.
2. Soles should be strong and flexible with a good gripping surface.
3. Insoles should be cushioned to absorb the jolts of walking on hard surfaces.
4. Arch supports distribute weight over a wider area. Rigid shanks also give added support.
5. High heels are fun and look good, but they should not be worn too long at a stretch or for much walking. Besides cramping the toes, they change body posture, making backaches more likely.
6. Only you can tell if the shoes fit. If they are not comfortable, do not wear them! Do not plan on shoes stretching with wear. If you already own shoes that are too tight, ask your shoe repair shop if they can be stretched.
7. Because feet spread with age, have your feet measured every time you buy shoes. Both feet should be measured, as they are often different sizes. Always buy shoes for the bigger foot.
8. Go shoe shopping in the afternoon, when feet swell to their largest size.
9. Size depends on shoe make and style, too. Do not insist you always wear one size if the next feels better.
10. The toe box should be roomy enough so can wiggle all your toes.
11. Your forefoot should not be wider than your shoe.
12. The heel should fit snugly and the instep should not gape open.

Unfortunately, most shoes today are narrower in the front than the foot is. You can check this by standing on paper and tracing around your bare foot. Compare the outline of your foot with the sole of your shoe. If your shoe appears too narrow, you may be inviting foot problems. Choose only shoes that make you feel comfortable – you are the best judge of that.

Our marvelous feet evolved for flexibility and strength – not to be stuffed into shoes. When people roamed the earth barefoot thousands of years ago, foot problems were not the rule. Today, you need shoes to protect your feet from cold, injury, disease, and pounding on hard pavement. But too often, you choose shoes for style rather than for comfort and function. Remember: good shoes are a part of the good care your feet deserve.

What You Need to Know About Tanning

2009-04-30T03:38:00.001-07:00

How to Fake a tan

The best method recommended for you to achieve a tan and still take care of your skin simultaneously is to apply a self-tanning product on your skin. They come in bottles and tubes and improve, season after season, but you have to follow the instructions indicated to get best results. This temporary staining can be very satisfactory if you start with a base color first which you get from actual sun. For best results, exfoliate skin first and ask someone to assist you achieve an even glowing tone even on hard to reach areas. To prolong a tan, you can apply self-tanning lotions and gels at least three times a week.

If you want to acquire the kind of tan that is good for you and makes you glow with health, then you must have patience and protection. If you are in the sun for the first time for many months, take it slowly. Avoid the midday sun completely and sunbathe for half an hour in the morning and late in the afternoon. Increase time each day, but still avoid the hottest part and don’t be misled into thinking a cool breeze off the sea has taken the sting out of the sun – it is only disguising the burning rays, you still need protection. You also need protection in and out of the water. It is no good putting on a sunscreen first thing in the morning believing you are safe for the day – a lot will be lost in natural perspiration. You must keep reapplying a sunscreen on your face and body.

Some burn more easily than others, but every skin needs protection to stop it from dehydrating. Very fair skin lacking in melanin will never tan deeply and red-heads with freckles will just get more freckles! Fair skins burn quickly and take time to build a tan while warmed-toned skins of the olive variety on the other hand will be able to take more sun before burning. But whatever your skin tone is, remember, all skins become dryer in the sun if they are not moisturized and well protected.

6 Important Ways of Caring for Contact Lenses

2009-04-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

First introduced in the ‘50s, contact lenses have slowly replaced glasses as the thing to wear for those who need vision correction ands till want to stay fashionable. And while continuous research has unearthed better materials and a wealth of design options for contact lenses, it has also brought new insight into proper lens care.

For example, the compound Thimerosal that is contained in some local contact lens care solutions was first found to be an effective anti-microbial agent and preservative for contact lenses. However, a recent U.S. study has shown that overexposure to it can cause extreme eye infection and allergy to contact lens wearers. This is because of its mercury content that attacks the fundamental bonds (sulfur bonds) or cells and destroys them, leaving the eyes exposed to microbes. So before subscribing to a certain solution, it is best to consult the doctor first.

Like other medical devices, contact lenses should be handled and used with care since they can help assure you a lifetime of healthy eyes.

Aside form the basic steps of cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, and storing to keep lenses free from bacteria, there are also other things that should be considered in handling contact lenses.

1. It is important that contact lens wearers wash their hand thoroughly before handling their lenses. Soaps that contain cream, deodorant chemicals, antiseptics or heavy fragrances should be avoided as small amounts of these substances may be transferred from the hands to the lenses then the eyes.

2. If you use cosmetics, use only those labeled “hypoallergenic,” “for contact lens wearer,” or “for sensitive eyes only.” Cosmetics should also be applied after the lenses have been inserted. This lessens the risk of lens soiling and tearing.

3. Hairspray, deodorant, cologne, mousse, nail polish and nail polish remover should be applied before inserting the lenses.

4. Most importantly, comply strictly with the lens care prescribed by the eye care professional. Only use recommended products and procedures.

5. And just as the type of contact lens that best suits an individual depends on those prescribed by an eye care professional, their personal wear and care regimen also depends on them. This is because the doctor alone knows the nature of the vision problem being corrected and the individual’s unique eye chemistry.

6. To maintain a problem-free, long-term contact lens wear, it is recommended to have periodic follow-up visits to an eye care professional.